Los Angeles - Most MLS organizations will declare their ambition to maintain global influence. Indeed, even in the two years of debuting in 2018, LAFC’s front desk members had already revolved around their desire to become a “global brand”, when a little salt would be acceptable. However, less than a decade after these comments, and just seven years since its founding season, the 2022 MLS Cup champion and the two-time supporter's shield champion have played a ticket to the 2025 Club Club World Cup.

Thanks to a dramatic overtime championship by Denis Bouanga, which beat the LIGA MX MX Giants Club 2-1 in Saturday's playoffs, LAFC now seems to have begun following its far-reaching goals. The results not only guarantee the club's striking $9.55 million selection award for the World Cup, which will start on June 14 with a $1 billion prize, but also have the opportunity to improve the club's status as a team with MLS MLS Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders in 32 teams.

“As a club, I think that takes you beyond many other clubs in the MLS. I think that puts you at a different level,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo announced that he will leave the team after the end of the season. "This is also a helping of the entire league; putting the league on the map of the club's World Cup."

The reason LAFC and Club America have had the opportunity to lock down their last place at an event in the U.S. this summer is because FIFA expelled Liga MX's Leon club due to multiple ownership rules. Leon is eligible to be the winner of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, so LAFC booked a spot in the playoffs to be runner-up in the tournament, while Club America won “as the highest-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup league rankings, which also determines the eligibility.”

But, in the Hollywood way, overcoming American clubs with Cherundolo and Company is not easy. After all, the XI on the Mexican side is arguably the best XI in CONCACAF with a market value of $67.3 million (via Sofascore); the price of LAFC is only $29.3 million.

Although LAFC technically played home games for LAFC at a sold-out 22,000-capacity BMO stadium, the hostile environment made the MLS team considered visitors on their own turf. Liga MX's Powerhouse Club has a significant fan base, which greatly outstrips the MLS' fan base on both sides of the US-Mexico border, so the American club soars to the stadium at the stadium, covering up the usual black and black decorations with the support of yellow.

The night before, hundreds of die-hard enthusiasts serenades for Mexico’s most successful clubs on music, fireworks and banners outside their hotel in Los Angeles. And, once the game started, travel support was known for its intimidating smoke bombs and thriving songs, which brought LAFC’s “3252” group beyond the song.

Early stress paid off Las Aguilas The 64th minute after Mark Delgado's foul Érick Sánchez, former LAFC Plater Brian Rodríguez hit home in the 64th minute, bent his strength on the court. But as star forward Olivier Giroud arrives on the bench, LAFC is starting to build up some momentum. Bouanga brought opportunities for the goal and then assisted Igor Jesus at a corner, allowing Igor Jesus to lead the 89th minute equalizer, which put the playoffs in extra time.

"You're still alive when you're frustrated, but our response is incredible; physically, tactical and spiritually," Cherundolo said. "I think it's also very important to change the momentum of the game from coaching, how we give in to the point of how we give in. I think it's also very important to change the dynamics and trajectory of the game to help our team."

LAFC fans were rejuvenated in the stands and as time went by, Bouanga once again took over the game’s championship in a 115th minute deflected close shot to secure a victory and a club World Cup invitation.

"You need to see Denis day after day. Denis is a competitor who loves to win, loves to play, thrives in duels, thrives in moments he creates," Cherundolo said. "His competitiveness, I think is a bit underestimated."

Bouanga and his teammates will now have a chance to shine on the biggest stage this summer, which will be another fascinating touchstone test as they face Flamengo, Esperance de tunis and Chelsea in GroupD.

However, before trying to secure global dominance, there were two MLS home games against Kansas City and Toronto Football Club, ahead of a conflict with Chelsea on June 16. “But I don’t think there’s any secret to beat those teams (on the CWC) and we need to do a great job.”